Happy Valentine's Day

I don't have a lot of time these days to post but I did want to send sweet blessings to my blogging friends. Hugs to all of you!

Hopefully, things will slow down next week and I can catch all of you up on what has been happening in my life. I've only been allowing myself 10 minutes on the computer a day so I can get some much needed things done around my house. The rest I can't write about right now...

Happy 22nd Anniversary to my sweet husband!

Thank you for showing me so much love this week. Your many acts of kindness, the time you spent making all of my favorite foods, buying me things that I really, really needed. You have touched the deepest part of my heart. May I someday be able to show you as much love as you have shown me. May I never forget....All the wonderful things about you.

Monday-Great home cooked meal plus my Carrot muffin from whole foods. (Pork chops, potatoes, and Green bean Casserole)

Tuesday-Yummy home cooked meal (I can't even remember what kind of meat he made, but it was good, with fried mushrooms and onion on top)

Wednesday-Phone charger (I broke mine) My big pillow with the very soft cover. (I'll explain another day).

Thursday-A beautiful vase of flowers. (I'd show everyone but my camera is broke)

Tonight, we will be going out to dinner and to the movies. I have something very special planned for him after that. (Can't tell, it's a surprise)

FYI-No news on the blood work and MRI yet.

What a great God we Serve!

What a Wonderful and Awesome God we serve! I want to shout it from the roof top! Shout it for all the world to here! God deserves our praise!

I had a really rough few weeks, with everyone sick in my house "AGAIN"!! This is the fourth time since Christmas. There is always things happening in our lives I have no control over, my husband's health and other situations. The roads on my route were icy and snowy again today. I wrecked the side of my truck by sliding into a group of mail boxes this morning. The truck didn't get damaged until it got pulled out. I tried to do my front brakes last night and couldn't get them back together so I left the hardware off and my brakes were grinding the whole route. I had to come home this morning, after putting fruit together for Jimmy and John's wrestling tournament today and redo the brakes, after I bought the hardware that is. I really need to run soon, I have to work at the tournament today.

With all that said and done. Some might call me crazy or insane but I am excited this morning. How can I not be excited for what the Lord has done for me? He is our Risen Savior! He died to set us free! I am so excited to lead God's people in worship tomorrow. The songs that we are singing to our Lord, proclaims what a great God we are so honored to serve.

SO HERE I AM TO WORSHIP "I worship you alone Lord". HERE I AM TO BOW DOWN "only to you Lord". Here I AM TO SAY THAT YOUR MY GOD "You are the only true and awesome, living God".

How can we not be pumped up to Worship the True and living God? I can't wait to sing to Him, to hear His Word preached. I can't wait to glean everything I can from the preacher in the morning. I want to grow in love and knowledge for God and God Alone.

There is no rock, there is no God like our God. No other name worthy of ALL our
Praise. The rock of salvation that can not be moved, He's proven Himself to be faithful and true. AMEN!

Hosanna, Hosanna, You are the God who saves us, worthy of all our praises!

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds, rising like the sun, at the trumpet call. Lift your voice it's the year of jubilee and out of Zion still Salvation comes!

So here I am to Worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that your my God!

You have been so good to me, You have been so good to me, I came here broken, You made me whole. You have been so good to me.

So here I am to Worship, here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that your my God!

When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've known less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun.

Amazing love how can it be, that you my King should die for me. Amazing love I know it's true, it's my Joy to honor YOU.

So here I am to Worship, here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that your my God!

I pray you’re all as pumped up as I am to worship our God tomorrow! WoooooHoooooo Amen!

May this carry me through my week! I want to remember His love for me, through the good days and bad. I want to always be ready to tell other's how much the Lord has done for me.

Yes, I had a rough morning delivering papers. Yes, I'm tired but the Lord is my strength, my salvation. He will give me the energy that I need when I need it.

Wow, do I feel great this morning! I'd better run, I'm sure they are waiting on me to help with concessions.

Consequences to Sin

I have been looking up and reading about the consequences to sin that we find in the Scriptures. I know this is a very long post, but I have been going though this in my quiet time for the past week. Things that are on my heart and mind, I like to blog about. I need to guide my heart every minute of every day least I be tempted and fall into sin. I am not a want to be journalist Nor do I have a Bible major. Half the time I am sure I don't dot all of my i's and cross all of my t's.

We sin in many ways; The more we pursue sin, the more our conscience becomes dulled (1 Timothy 4:2, Titus 1:15). A dull conscience causes us to be susceptible to enemy's lies which will draw us progressively further from God (James 1:14). Eventually we may not even think our actions are sinful and our ability to repent can be hindered (Hebrews 6:1-8).

We may well be tempted to think that because none of us is perfect, and we are all to some extent suffering from this moral disease the Bible calls 'sin', and because God is a loving God, then it doesn't matter too much. He will surely overlook our little faults. Unfortunately, the situation is somewhat more serious than that. Though God loves us passionately, his holiness and justice are such that he cannot live with evil. As the prophets Habakkuk and Isaiah put it, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong" (Habakkuk 1:13), "Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you" (Isaiah 59:2).

In highlighting the seriousness of our position the Bible describes us as "darkened in [our] understanding" and therefore blind to spiritual truths (Ephesians 4:18, 1 Corinthians 2:14); "dead in [our] transgressions and sins" and therefore without the life of God in our souls (Ephesians 2:1, 5); and "enslaved" to our sinful nature (Titus 3:3; John 8:34), with hearts that are so twisted with self-centredness that out of them come "evil thoughts, vulgar deeds, stealing, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, greed, meanness, deceit, indecency, envy, insults, pride and foolishness. All of these come from your heart, and they are what make you unfit to worship God" (Mark 7:21, 22). We are also described as being "without hope" (Ephesians 2:12) and "without excuse" (Romans 1:20).

Finally, we are powerless to do anything about it unless God should take the initiative (Ephesians 2:8; Acts 11:18). In short, we have a past that needs forgiving, a separation that needs bridging, a mind that needs illuminating, a void that needs filling, and a nature that needs transforming. Amazingly enough, these are all things that are amply provided for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

We can have restoration from our sin.

You can see from these

Sex sin can cause emotional confusion. Sex creates emotional bonds ("soul ties") with our sex partner. These bonds will vary in strength depending on the relationship. God intended this emotional bond for marriage partners. When we bond with people other than our spouse through sex, emotional confusion results. This confusion can manifest in many ways. Here are some examples:

* Recurring dreams and/or thoughts about your lover
* Inability to achieve emotional intimacy with spouse
* Regret or bitterness toward people who hurt us in past relationships
* Comparing our spouse with former lover in sexual performance
* Distorted understanding of true love (corrupted by lust or other selfishness)
* Increased promiscuity, in attempt to find true intimacy and love

This sin feels so much like love when it is committed. The more it is done the more our conscience is dulled to this sin.

The danger of emotional confusion is that it can hold us back from experiencing true intimacy with our spouse and God.

Adultery often destroys marriages and families. The husband and the wife will suffer emotional, spiritual and even physical damage when the bond of fidelity is broken. Major healing will be needed to repair the breach. Memories created during a marriage breakup can last the lifetime of the family and the effects can be felt up to four generations. Viewing pornography is a form of adultery (Matthew 5:28), and its potential to damage a marriage cannot be underestimated. Too often it is justified as a harmless necessity by the addicted, suggesting that it is not as damaging as physical adultery. This is a lie!

Sin causes shame, fear and guilt
in people's lives

Even when people laugh and mock the sins they commit outwardly...the feelings of guilt, fear and shame haunt them inwardly. The only person who does not experience these feelings any longer are those who been turned over to a "reprobate mind" where they no longer have feelings toward others, themselves or God. The Bible says,

"O my God, I am ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to you, for our sins are piled higher than our heads and our guilt is as boundless as the heavens." Ezra 9:6

"Otherwise I perish, for problems far too big for me to solve are piled higher than my head. Meanwhile my sins too many to count have all caught up with me and I am ashamed to look up. My heart quails within me. Please, Lord, rescue me! Quick! Come and help me!" Psalms 40:12-13

Sin causes pain and misery

God never intended our life to be unhappy and miserable but sin's power makes people do things that harm others and themselves. Every bad thing that has ever happened on earth is caused by someone's sin. Every hurt, every wound and every disease is the result of sin. The Bible says

"Listen, O heaven and earth, to what the Lord is saying: "The children I raised and cared for so long and tenderly have turned against me. Even the animals--the donkey and the ox--know their owner and appreciate his care for them, but not my people Israel. No matter what I do for them, they still don't care. Oh, what a sinful nation they are! They walk bent-backed beneath their load of guilt. Their fathers before them were evil too. Born to be bad, they have turned their backs upon the Lord and have despised the Holy One of Israel. They have cut themselves off from his help. Oh, my people, haven't you had enough of punishment? Why will you force me to whip you again and again? Must you forever rebel? From head to foot you are sick and weak and faint, covered with bruises and welts and infected wounds, unanointed and unbound...You stand there helpless and abandoned...If the Lord Almighty had not stepped in to save a few of us, we would have been wiped out as Sodom and Gomorrah were".
Isaiah 1:2-9

Sin enslaves the sinner

One of the lies that the devil tells sinners is that they are free to do what they want to...that they are control of their own life...that man does not need God.

What satan does not reveal is this startling reality...if God does not guide us then the devil will. If God is not in control, the devil is. Every person is either guided by God's goodness or the devil's evils.

Sinners are actually slaves to sin. They do not control their own lives. Sin is controlling them so that they cannot help but do things that are bad for them. Sin will ultimately destroy the person who keeps doing it. The Bible says,

"Jesus replied, "You are slaves of sin, every one of you. And slaves don't have rights, but the Son has every right there is! So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free--"
John 8:34-36



"Don't you realize that you can choose your own master? You can choose sin (with death) or else obedience (with acquittal). The one to whom you offer yourself--he will take you and be your master, and you will be his slave. Thank God that though you once chose to be slaves of sin, now you have obeyed with all your heart the teaching to which God has committed you. And now you are free from your old master, sin; and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness. I speak this way, using the illustration of slaves and masters, because it is easy to understand: just as you used to be slaves to all kinds of sin, so now you must let yourselves be slaves to all that is right and holy. In those days when you were slaves of sin you didn't bother much with goodness. And what was the result? Evidently not good, since you are ashamed now even to think about those things you used to do, for all of them end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and are slaves of God, and his benefits to you include holiness and everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:16-23



"Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin, which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God." 2 Timothy 2:25-26

Sin separates us from God and spiritual life

The most serious thing about sin is that it separates us from God.

God is all good. He cannot sin nor can He be a part of sin. God hates sin but not the sinner. But even though God loves sinners, He will not be a friend to people who keep sinning. Sin is like a big wall that separates us from God. God is on one side of the wall while we are on the other side trying to live a happy life without Him. The big wall of sin keeps God from being our friend and partner.

The wall of sin is our problem. It is the wall that we need to get rid of but we can't tear the wall down by ourselves. The wall of sin is too big and powerful for any person to remove by ourselves. We need God's help...and fortunately He will if we are sincere to ask. The Bible says,

"Listen now! The Lord isn't too weak to save you. And he isn't getting deaf! He can hear you when you call! But the trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God. Because of sin he has turned his face away from you and will not listen anymore. For your hands are those of murderers and your fingers are filthy with sin. You lie and grumble and oppose the good." Isaiah 59:1-3

"You have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil. All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won't collapse, for it is built on rock. But those who hear my instructions and ignore them are foolish, like a man who builds his house on sand. For when the rains and floods come, and storm winds beat against his house, it will fall with a mighty crash." Matthew 7:23-27

"Try to stay out of all quarrels, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for one who is not holy will not see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14

Another big one I struggle with is blaming others for my sin.

As long as you are making excuses for your sinfulness, you will never grow spiritually. That will only occur when you humbly acknowledge your sin and do something about it. Since spiritual growth is a process in which there is a decreasing frequency of sin, then it must include an acknowledgement of responsibility for sin. Don't blame your circumstances, your husband, your wife, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, your boss, your employees, or your pastor; blame yourself. Don't even blame the devil. Certainly anything in the world's system contributes to the problem, but sin ultimately occurs as an act of the will-- and you are responsible for it.

Nehemiah 9:33 -- Nehemiah said this about God: "...Thou art just in all that is brought upon us...."

Luke 15:21 -- When the prodigal son returned home to his loving father, he said, "...I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight...." He realized that his father would be gracious in treating him simply as a day laborer. He didn't expect anything because he knew he didn't deserve anything. That is the mentality of a person who realizes he is a sinner and deserves nothing.

Psalm 51:4 -- David said, "Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight...." David didn't blame anybody but himself. He was saying, "God, You are just in all that You have brought to bear on my life."

Confession is acknowledging that sin is your fault.

In conclusion I have seen the following this past week.

The consequences of sin are many. They are seen throughout our world as evil men and women continue to rebel against their Creator. Sin is an evil power that is very deceptive. Even while going through the motions of lustful pleasures that last for a moment or two the sinner lives within the privacy of his or her mind and emotions where shame, fear and guilt are daily companions. The wounds of sin are many for the sinner. Pain, suffering, family breakdowns, failures in life, loneliness, depression, despair are only of the few examples of sin's consequences.

Sin is misery and bondage that will eventually destroy the mind, heart, body and soul. Its ultimate consequence is separation from God...who alone is the source of life, love and peace forever. Sin keeps man from enjoying the abundance of life that God so earnestly desires for each and every one of us.

There is nothing good that can be said of sin. It is our enemy, our nemesis, our most tragic problem.

I need to look to God every day, through reading The Bible, and prayer so I can walk away from sin when it is knocking at my door.

Marraige Monday-My most memorable Valentines Day

E-mom is the host of Marriage Monday; Don't forget to pop over to view her great ideas.It's Marriage Monday; E-mom and so many others have some great Valentine's Day Ideas
Thanks E-mom.

I have to start this post with a funny little story.

My AA news motor route ran really great this morning. This allowed me to get home in plenty of time to ride to church with my family.

My husband and I were setting in Sunday school waiting for class to start. I had been trying to remember which Anniversary it was that my husband had given me a gift everyday for five days. I wrote on Saturday that my 22^nd wedding anniversary is coming up on Valentines Day.

I told my husband that it was marriage Monday again in the blogging world. I told him I was going to write about my most memorable Valentines Day. I asked if he remembered which Valentines Day it was that he showered me with all the gifts.

He looked at me and said, “Oh, if that isn't a big hint”. I laughed so hard! I had to try to stifle my laugh because Sunday school was about to start. He is just so funny! I swear, I was only trying to remember which year it was.

Now, I want to write about my most memorable Valentines Day.

On our 18^th Wedding Anniversary/Valentines Day, my husband made it very special. Everyday for a whole week I received a gift.

The first gift was a white teddy bear with candy. I had no idea that, that was just the beginning. He had never done anything like this before and I guess, I was just so surprised by this side of him.

The second day, I received my favorite cookie- It was a huge fortune cookie with Chocolate & nuts on top. My favorite cookie happens to be fortune cookies. I don’t get Chinese food for the food but for the cookies. Needless to say, I ate the whole cookie by myself. Yum, Yum, Yummy.

Day three, I received a beautiful vase of my favorite flowers. Carnations-They last a long time and they are so pretty.

On day four, I received “The Love Letter”. My husband printed it on fancy paper and put it in a frame. “I’m still looking for it”. We moved a few years ago and it is somewhere upstairs packed away in a box. I’ll post it as soon as I find it.

Day five was our Anniversary/Valentines Day. My husband made this day so special. He made me a home cooked meal of my favorite foods. Chicken Parmigiana, a salad with Raspberry vinaigrette dressing, and some yummy garlic bread. For dessert, he made me a homemade Carrot cake.

After our meal he had one more gift for me.

There is a little story behind my gift I need to share. Before my husband and I got married. He gave me a beautiful ruby ring. It was his commitment to me that I was the only woman for him. He has been a Godly, faithful, kind, loving husband all these years.

When I was pregnant with our third child my hands were really swelled, the ring was cutting into my finger. I took it off and placed it in my purse. After I had Aaron I went to find it so I could wear it again. It was gone!

My husband knew how much that ring meant to me but we couldn’t afford to purchase a replacement. (He told me once I could be more responsible he would buy me another one, hee, hee) After dinner my husband handed me a package, inside was a beautiful ruby ring. The promise that he made when we were dating, still holds true today. He has always been faithful to me. Every time I look at my ring, I remember the promise he made to me years ago when we were dating, that he would always be mine.

I have always been attracted to a certain type of man. (My Type) Here are some of the things that attracted me to my husband and why I still love him so much today:

My husband is the head of our home, he leads our family in a God fearing manner. He is our provider and protector. I feel very safe and secure with him.

He was and is very handsome with lots of beautiful hair.

I love his eyes, they tell so much about how he feels about me.

The way he treated/treats his mom.

As we all know, the way they are before we marry them is the way they will be after we marry them. It only gets worse! These are the qualities, I watched for while we were dating.

He wasn't/isn't a flirt-

He had friends that were girls but it wasn't the norm to see him hanging around a bunch of women.

He wasn't/isn't a ladies man-

My husband has always been a very handsome man. Even when we worked together at McDonald's he had woman coming on to him. He was and is so faithful to me.

He had/has guy friends not just girl friends-

My husband doesn't believe woman and men can be best friends unless you are married to them. One or the other is going to have strong feeling for the other. This he says, is normally the woman but not always.

He loved/loves me and my son (before I got married) our children (now) and grandchildren-

On his lunch hour from work he would come to my sons t-ball games. He now is at every sporting event he can be at involving our children and grandchildren.

My husband puts his family before everything else- We are not at the bottom of his long list, we are at the top.

My husband's calendar is filled with our children's Wrestling practices/meets/tournaments, our children's dentist/orthodontist/doctor's appointments. It was never filled or isn't filled with lunch dates/dinner dates/parties/sports.

He was and still is the first man I call when I need anything spiritually, emotionally, physically or just if I think of something funny I need to share.

My husband has and will drop everything for his family. He has done this over and over before we were married and throughout our marriage. He always makes himself available to us.

BTW-A big Thank you to all the people that asked about my husband's appointment. He has to have an MRI and blood work. I'll post results when I get them. Keep praying please!

Meet some New friends/Old Friends

Things are going well for me but I don't want to talk about me today. I am going to start posting about a few blogging friends each day. Some new/some old! I'll let you know what I like about each one of them/you. You all know how much I love blogging but I thought I would take the focus off of myself for a while and turn it to some of you. I want all of you to know how much you have meant to my life the last three years. I feel as if I have woken up out of a bad dream this week and can see clearly again. I have been so me focused, I haven't been able to grown in Christ or get to know all of you better. As I said in my post the other day, I am going to stop all my Whining. BTW-Becca and Aaron are doing great.

Aaron graduates from his first Navy "A" school today. He will move on to his next school soon.

Becca is working two jobs and is doing swell.

Keep up the great work Becca and Aaron

My oldest son Bret opens his 12th Autoports Unlimited this month.

My oldest son turns 30 on February 22nd, 2008. If he keeps this up, he is going to be older then me. Hee, Hee

BTW-My sweet husband goes for his yearly appointment today. I told all of you a while back that he has a brain tumor. If you could keep him in your prayers, I would be grateful. He has been pretty sick for the last three weeks. I try not to worry, but, well, you'll know from reading my blog that this is something I struggle with.
I tried to link to the post about my husband but couldn't it is called

"Challenges my husband has had to face in his adult life". July 2007

Today, I want to introduce you'll to a few blogging friends that attend my church. This is my Asst. Pastor and his beautiful Wife.

Pastor Brian is teaching a Sunday school class called New Testament survey. He has posted his notes plus some of his sermons, on his blog. This fellow is a great preacher and teacher of the Word.

You can view Pastor Brian's blog here

Suzanne is Pastor Brian's wife. I just love reading here blog. It is full of funny stories about her little ones and so much more. I just really love visiting her blog and reading about her day. She has a true heart for the things of the Lord.

You can view Suzanne's blog here


This isn't anyone from my church but I spent some time reading blogs this morning and E-Mom is at it again. She has a Read-Through-the-Bible-Program on her blog.

You can visit E-mom here

Kristy received her flight plans The Most Exciting Thing We've Ever Done She is in the process of adopting a very sweet baby girl. She will be getting that precious baby girl soon.

The Party Pictures

Bo' Birthday party was a lot of fun. He received some pretty cool things.

The adults love to tease each other or should I say I like to have a little fun with all of them. I love to see people laugh and have fun, it was very enjoyable! I think what I love most about Birthday parties is just being together with my loved ones.

My husband's big thing lately is "If I were the President, I would...". I just had a bit of fun with that, with everyone around.

My oldest son Bret loves fancy restaurants. He has a lot of big wig business luncheons and dinners. We were picking on him because he has a "NEW" favorite restaurant. I guess the Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills area has lots of great eating places, well my son has found another great eating place. We were able to have lots of fun with him as well.

We didn't see the kids much, they were busy playing games with each other.
Bo' Birthday Cake
Bo Bo blowing out his candles (If you couldn't guess, Hee, Hee)
As you can see my Step-dad is doing much better and this is my beautiful mom.
Looks like this group is having fun! Jim, Ethan, Maali, and Shiyona
I love smiles! My beautiful family.
Here is more smiles! More of my beautiful family.
Bo and Josh in the game room.
Jon spent most of his evening on the floor playing DS, he was in the room with us.

Happy 11th Birthday Bo

This is Boaz, the Birthday boy.

I was up early this morning baking a cake for Boaz. He turns 11 on Wednesday but we are having his party tonight so my family can all come. I look forward to being together with my Dad and Mom, Bret and Jessica, my grand babies, and my brother Donnie. (Jessica's brother, we tell him he is part of the family now)

We cleaned the house last night. (John and I)

Today, I just have to do a few last minute things and we will be ready for the party.

There really isn't much to update about my life last week. I worked or I was in bed with fever, chills, aches and pain, head & muscle aches and bad cough. Yes, I got the crud last week. I called my good friend Joe on Thursday to tell him I wouldn't be picking up his boy's or be at Worship team practice. (This about killed me not to be able to get my Grandson and my adopted Grand babies, and I had to miss worship team practice and Worship on Sunday) I told him I had the crud. He said, "Sis, is that something new going around". Bless his heart, what a sweetheart, he wasn't joking. Goodness, he makes me laugh!

Update: I just found out from my Worship Leader (11:50 a.m.) that Joe came down with the crud on Saturday and wasn't able to lead Worship yesterday. My Leader came down with a cold. It sure is going around!

The crud all started last Sunday when I got home from my route, my body ached. Well, that was just the beginning. By Thursday, I could hardly make it out of bed. My hubby stayed home Thursday and Friday to get the kids off to school and take care of me. My head hurt to bad to try and blog. God sure has a way of slowwwwwing ussss downnnnn.

That is the last time I cry about not having enough to do. I think instead of adding anymore to my life, I'm going to start enjoying those quiet moments. "NO MORE WHINING" LOL! It is time to live again and be thankful that I have extra time to myself. Lets see, breakfast with the girls, Bible studies again, read more books. I am looking at this empty-nest thing, all wrong. I put in a lot of hard work, now it is time to relax. Woooo, I think I'm going to like this. Hee, Hee (Hopefully, my husband doesn't read this, ROFL)

My poor husband, I think (I know) he is the only man that would or could put up with me. Thanks hubby for putting up with my many personalities!! Whinny, weepy, funny, moody, talkative, happy, emotional, a joke stir, some might say spacey or scary (Hey, if the shoe fits). I'm not even going to write about my big mouth laugh. Let's just say, you know if I'm in the room without looking. Oh my, sad to say, I think I could keep going. LOL! He still loves me after all these years! (22)

This morning I feel almost back to normal. (As normal as I get) Yeaaaaaa!!!! I still have the cough but I can live with that for a few more days. Right now, it's time to get ready for a parrrtttaaaaa! Wooohooooo!!

You Are The One

You are the One By Paul Baloche & Lincoln Brewster

I'm sitting here preparing for Awana and Worship team practice. We will be introducing this new Worship song in the next few weeks. I love worshiping God thru music!

He is my strength when I am weak
He forgives me when I feel as though I can't forgive myself
He helps me carry on when I sometimes feel as if I can't
He knows what I need, even before I ask

You Are the One

You’re the One Who made the heavens
You’re the One Who shaped the earth
You’re the One Who formed my heart
Long before my birth
I believe You’ll always lead me
All my days have been ordained
All Your thoughts toward me are holy
Full of love and grace

You are the One, You are holy
You are the One, You are worthy
You are the One, You are the One everlasting
Lord, You are the One
Jesus, You’re the One

You’re the One Who made the heavens
You’re the One Who shaped the earth
You’re the One Who formed my heart
Long before my birth
I believe You’ll always lead me
All my days have been ordained
All Your thoughts toward me are holy
Full of love and grace

You are the One, You are holy
You are the One, You are worthy
You are the One, You are the One everlasting
You are the One I will worship
You are the One I will serve all my days
You are the One, You are the One everlasting
Lord, You are the One
Jesus, You’re the One
Lord, You are the One
Jesus, You’re the One

Words and Music by Paul Baloche & Lincoln Brewster
© 2002 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music and Integrity’s Praise! Music

A new house cleaning Job

I couldn't wait to run home and get this out of my head, I love blogging for that reason. As you all know I've had a pretty hard time adjusting to my two grown children leaving the nest and my three youngest children going back to school. A while back, a good friend of mine asked me if I would be willing to take on another cleaning job. Well, I meant with my new employer's today. It went so well! I loved this family right from the start. They live in Plymouth which is a little hike for me but the family is so wonderful. It looks like a great neighborhood as well.

John,(The husband) Sandy (The wife) and Valerie. (Is the cute little 4 year old girl) Joe was right, I would love this family and they would love me. We hugged three times in the hour I was there. Sandy asked if she could spread my name around her neighborhood, if, I wanted more cleaning jobs. She also asked if I would come over and help her clean out her cupboards. I think I found a new friend. Sandy said, "I was one of the family now". Remember I just meant these people this morning. I love it when things just click. I can't believe how wonderful today turned out to be. I start at 7:00 a.m. Monday morning! No more lonely days for me!! God is so very good to me. Thank you Joe for thinking of me when this family was looking for someone to clean for them. Yes, you were right. They are as wonderful as you said they were.

It seems like I should have enough to keep me busy but I just don't. I just get real lonely without the kids home. I don't think my daughter-in-law will let me move her children in with me. I sure would love that! Things will be just fine now. I am just one that has to be very, very busy. I really do seem to get myself into trouble when I'm lovely. I dwell on things to much if I'm bored.

Take a deep Breath!

As some of you know, I have been reposting this week. I have done this for two reasons.

1. I've been a bit busy-Let's just say this; I keep myself busy so I stay out of trouble. Trouble still seems to be able to knock its ugly little head at my door.

Monday- I cleaned my house. This includes dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing all the floors on my hands and knees. bathroom cleaning includes the following-all the walls, tub, floors, wood floors get vacuumed and a good quick shine put on them. I don't want to forget, windows. It was off to work at 1:00 p.m. for me. Monday evening we went out to dinner and ran errands. This really helps to keep up on things around here the rest of the week.

Tuesday- I trained again on how to do my back brakes. (My friend trained me in his heated garage) He is going to work with me one more time and I am then, on my own. I am a bit excited to try doing them myself. I do my front brakes already, doing my back brakes will save us a bit of money each year. I was off to work doing my motor route after that. I had my grandchildren Tuesday evening while my husband worked and my daughter-in-law took the kids to wrestling practice. She was trying to get us some information regarding the up coming tournaments. I love having Jenna and Ethan, we played with legos.

Wednesday- I prepared for Awana Wednesday morning. Went to work at 11:30 a.m. I served in Awana in the evening. I can't wait to get pictures of my girls this year. They are such darlings, I love all of them so very much.

Thursday- I asked if I could have Jenna and Ethan over until I went to work. (This really helps me to not get lonely around here. Plus, I love being with my grandchildren) I worked out for a while tonight (This really helps to calm me down) and it is now bedtime and off to work at 1:00 a.m.

That covers my week so far. DEEP BREATH!

2. I wanted to let some of my new blogging friends know a little about me as well.

Things are going to get a bit busy now that wrestling tournaments are about to start up. Saturday, is our first really big tournament. Jimmy, John and Bo are wrestling at it and so is my oldest Grandson Josh. I am working at it. I then have to go to my cleaning job when I am done. You all know I do a motor route in the early a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It will all work out I am sure. Take deep breaths!

We have our Awana Chums sleepover tomorrow night! Yea! I'm looking forward to a great time with the girls and the Leaders. Fun, Fun and more fun. That reminds me I have to come up with some songs to sing.

I am suppose to start a new cleaning job tomorrow, if my friend Joe sends me the address. (I sing with Joe in a group and also on our Worship team) The people I use to clean for on Friday moved out West so this will fill that slot. That means I'm going to be a bit busy from now until Sunday afternoon.

My boys have already asked if their best friends can spend the night Sunday evening. NO school Monday!! I can't wait to sleep in.

I pray you all have a wonderful rest of the week and a great weekend. I hope to be back on Monday with pictures from the girls Lock-in and the wrestling tournament.

Jr. Wolverine Wrestling Tournament-

Jr. Wolverine Wrestling Website

Volunteer assignments for Saturday

This will be my responsibility on Saturday.

Charts/Medals
1Kenna Smith
2Lori Householder
3Bob Taub


Camera (All Day)
1Jeremy Stimac

Security (All Day)

1Brian Hall
2David Hall
3Steve Beckett

4EMU help (1)

EMS/Trainer
1Telisha Payne

2EMU help (1)

Coache
1Jim Mason
2Tim Hula
3Steve Smith


1Weigh-in (Fri. 4p-7p)
2Jim Mason***
3Brian Hall***
4Tim Hula
5Tracy Phillips


Admissions (7a-12p)

1Gary Grace/Sandy Hughes
2Fernando Payne
3Jihad Hammoud

Table Help (9:30a-5:30p)
Mat 1Rich Strader
2Cindy Strader
3Donnie Henry
4Tracy Phillips
5Jim Householder

6Anna
7Remy
8Katie
9Amy
10Carolyn
11Colleen
12Scott Powers

13Kathy Clyde
14 Clyde

Hospitality

1Jessica Griffin
2Kim Henry

Concessions
1Dawn Hall (All Day)
2Jeanne White (7a-12p)
3Lynn Jones (7a-12p)
4Pam Kuzel (9a-3p)
5Sam Iaquinto (8a-2p)
6Adrienne Royce (12p-5p)
7D'Anne Hula (12p-5p)

The perfect Gift

With Valintines Day just right around the corner, I thought I'd post about love.

I am not a material person; I could careless if I have a fancy car to drive. I am blessed if I get up and it starts and makes me through my day. I'm not into jewelry, if I get it I wear it, but it is not something I have to have. I love the simple gifts, the simple acts of love. How often do we sacrifice for other people?

I love the gifts my children make me at school. They come home hiding it from me so I don't see it until they want me to. Half the time I haven't a clue what it is, but they took their time out of there day to think of me. They sacrificed there time at school to draw me a picture or write me a poem. I love those gifts!!!
Don't we all just want to be loved by someone? To have someone cherish us so much that we know it beyond everything else. This reminded me of God's love. He sent His only son into this world to die on the cross for our sins. He loved us before we loved Him.

Here are some thoughts about love

Love does not hurt. Physical and/or emotional abuse are not a part of love.
It sure seems like we hurt the ones we love most.

Love is not manipulative, it should not be used to get others to do what you want. You should never give in to demands based on the, "You would do it if you loved me!" tactic.

I think teen girls fall into this line more than anyone else. I know I did!

Love is an intense feeling of caring for another person. It can take many different forms (romantic, friendly, familial) but it is always about caring.

I think our example is what did Jesus do for us on the cross. He gave His life for us.

If somebody asks you to do something that you don't want to do in order to "prove" your love they do not love you the way you might think they do. When you love another person you don't ask them to sacrifice a part of themselves in the name of that love.

Our example is still what Christ did for us on the cross.

It is very easy to confuse lust for love. The true measure of romantic love is commitment and trust not physical attraction.

See below for what the Bible says about love.

Sex is NOT love. Love is NOT sex. Sex can be a part of romantic love but it is never mandatory.

I won't touch this right now. This will be another daily devotion.

Romantic love can (and often does) fade. When it goes there is not always a reason. When somebody falls out of love with you it does not reflect upon your value as a person or your desirability.

This is also something else I won't touch right now. How can we fall out of love? This is another great daily devotion./span>

This is what the Bible says about love

The English word "love" has many different meanings. It can have affectionate, benevolent, strong liking, romantic, or sexual implications. The Hebrew word aheb, most commonly used in the Old Testament, had a similar range of meanings.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (NIV, Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

That love was to be shown by serving God and obeying His commands (Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Joshua 22:5).

The Israelites were also commanded to have sincere good will for each other:

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. (NIV, Leviticus 19:18)

New Testament

Two different Greek words are translated as "love" in the New Testament, and they have more specific meanings than our English word "love."

Agapao (verb) and agape (noun). This is the "Christian love" of the Bible. It means affection, benevolence, good-will, high esteem and concern for the welfare of the one loved. It is deliberate, purposeful love rather than emotional or impulsive love. Almost all of the New Testament references to love are agapao or agape in the original Greek. The King James Version of the Bible sometimes translates agape as "charity," but charity has now taken on the meaning of assistance to the poor rather than benevolent love.

Phileo (verb). This means to love in an impulsive and emotional way. It is seldom used in the Bible, but there is a play on words (lost in English) in John 21:15-17. Jesus says to Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love (agapao) me?" Peter answers, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you." Philadelphia is a related word meaning the love of brothers or sisters (e.g., Romans 12:10). It is often translated "brotherly love."

God's love for mankind
Love is one of the attributes of God and an essential part of His nature:

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. (NLT, 1 John 4:16)

Our relationship to God is like the loving relationship between a child and parent. Like a loving parent, God knows and cares deeply for each of us:

Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. (NAS, Luke 12:6-7)

Like children, some of us return God's love, and some do not. Nevertheless, He loves all of us. God's gifts of love and salvation are freely offered to all, even to those who choose the path of wickedness instead:

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (NIV, Matthew 5:45)

Related verses : Matthew 6:25-30, 7:8-11, Luke 15:4-7, John 3:16-17, 16:27 (phileo), Romans 8:38-39

Love the Lord your God
Jesus said our most important responsibility in life is to love God:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' (NIV, Mark 12:28-30)

We demonstrate our love for God by obeying His commandments and Jesus' commandments (Luke 11:28, John 14:21-24, 2 John 1:6), putting our trust in Him (John 14:1), maintaining a humble attitude (Matthew 18:1-4, Luke 18:9-14), and by prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 18:1-8).

Related verses: Matthew 6:24, Matthew 7:2, 10:37 (phileo), Luke 6:46-49, Luke 11:27-28, Luke 18:15-17, John 6:28-29, John 6:66-69, John 12:44, John 14:15

Love your neighbor
Our second most important responsibility in life is to love other people. Jesus went on to say,

The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. (NRSV, Mark 12:31)

In His Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus explained that we should consider all the people of the world to be our "neighbors." Just as God loves all His people, so should we. Jesus calls us to extend our love even to our enemies!

You have heard that the law of Moses says, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NLT, Matthew 5:43-48)

The apostle Paul said that Christian love is the greatest and most essential of all the spiritual gifts. Even faith is worthless without love!

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Paul went on to describe the nature of true Christian love in this beautiful passage:

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end... And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (NRSV, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13)

In another of his letters, Paul said loving our fellowman is the way to live by all the commandments:

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. (NIV, Romans 13:8-10)

God is the source of all our love. Loving God and loving other people are so interrelated that we cannot have one without the other:

We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (NRSV, 1 John 4:19-21)

Related verses: Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 5:21-24, 5:38-39, 6:14-15, 18:21-35, 22:34-40, 25:31-46, Luke 6:27-31, 6:38, 10:25-37, John 13:34-35, 15:9-13, Romans 12:10 (philadelphia), Galatians 5:13-15, 5:22-23, James 2:8-9, 1 Peter 4:8-10, 1 John 4:7-21

Peace with God

My daily Devotion

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1

An artist might choose to portray peace by filling his canvas with his rendering of a lovely rose garden where children are playing quietly, or perhaps a pastoral scene with sun shining and animals grazing.

Since life is not always lived in such a picturesque setting, perhaps the artist would choose to depict a storm scene where, beside a rain-swollen stream, a gnarled old oak tree stands with limbs hanging firmly over the raging water, and in a small cleft of one limb a sparrow has made her nest. Neither the sparrow nor her brood seems to be aware of any danger.

The calming of the storms of life, the settling of our minds and emotions, the quiet comfort that assures us that all is well, come from our connection with God. The heartfelt knowledge that we are saved brings a calm assurance that gives beautiful definition to real peace.

We are all called upon to endure storms during our lifetimes, and some are quite severe. They may include sickness or serious injury, family troubles, financial reverses, or other heart-breaking problems. Sometimes the consoling words of Jesus, “Peace, be still,” do not come immediately. We are often required to “stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).

As the sparrow nestled in the branches of the tree, we can nestle into the arms of Jesus, and experience perfect peace with God!

A little more about me!

This is a picture of me singing in a "Praise in the park event". I have been singing for the last 17 years on my churches Worship team. I also sang with my daughter and a very good friend of mine in a trio, I sing with two males and a female friend of mine in a Quartet, I also sing duets with my daughter and many others in my church, (whoever will sing with me) : ) and I sing solos. (I prefer singing with a group of people and not so much by myself) As you can tell I enjoy praising God through the songs that I sing. I like many different styles of music; I love the old hymns, I sing a lot of Southern Gospel and contemporary Christian music. I am a member of a non-denominational church. (It is a Bible believing, close to Baptist beliefs church) I have been a member there for the last 20+ years. Through the years; I have worked in Awana, I have taught Sunday school to children, I have been in charge and worked in the Nursery, I have been a Deacon/Elders wife, I was the director over the Children's choir, Discipled many women, Lead Women's Bible Studies. I love serving in whatever area God has for me to serve.

A little about Me

This is a picture of me and my handsome husband on our wedding day almost 22 years ago. I was 22 and my husband was just a baby at 19. We meant while working at McDonald's together. We were good friends for over a year, before we started dating. We dated on a dare, (I was a manager and was not suppose to date my employees) we were already friends, but it still seemed a little strange. It didn't take long and my husband proposed to me, the rest is history.


This picture is of Joshua (Our baby that died of SIDS at 3 months) my oldest son is holding Joshua (now almost 30) and my nephew (now 28).

We had a rough first year of marriage, but God gave us 5 more beautiful children after the death of our son. God gave me Joshua for three wonderful months. If I had it to do all over again, and
WI knew that I would only have him for such a short time, I would do it in a heart beat. He brought a lot of love into our lives. At the time of his death I was a new believer. I won't say I didn't go through some very trying times, trying to figure out why Joshua was taken from me. I grieved for many years. I finally gave the pain and sorrow over to the Lord. I looked to His word for the only comfort I could find.

My changing point came when I went to a group which consisted of parents that had lost children to some kind of death. We walked into the room and women were sobbing like they had just lost their children to death. It was a sight that will remain in my head forever. When we went around the room and introduced ourselves and explained why we were their, the woman that was really sobbing hard told us her son had died 20 years ago. At that point I knew I had to turn this over to God for healing. I could not mourn like this for 20 years, it would eat me alive. I would have died an old bitter woman, hating God and life itself.

God got a hold of my heart at that very moment. I could see that God gave me my son to love and enjoy for three wonderful months. I will never regret that time in my life. I look back on it now knowing that I am the person I am today because of that little boy God gave me. Every year on his birthday I get his baby book out. I look through all the pictures we have of him. I sit and wonder what it would be like if he hadn't died. What he would be doing right now. Would he have been a football player like his brother or a wrestling like his dad and brothers. I am only human, but I don't feel sorry for myself or look at God in a bad light. I give thanks to God for allowing me to have the joy that is in my heart today, when I think of how that little boy changed my life.

Living for the simple things in life: Joshua's Story

When I get low or just have a bad day. I like to remember the blessings that I do have and how God has worked through my life to bring me to the place, that I'm at today.

The Shoe Box

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other, except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside.

She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."

The little old man was so moved, he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

"Honey," he said, "that explains the doll, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?"

"Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."

The Wooden Bowl

The Wooden Bowl

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess."We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. " The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.Then tears started to stream down their cheeks Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. (I love a sweet hug)

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..

I pray you all have a blessed week

The answer IS...

The story will have to wait until I have time but the answer is: Drum roll please boom, boom, boom


The Answer is:

7 girls equals 14 legs

49 backpacks (Backpacks do not have legs, hee, hee)

343 big cats equals 1372 legs

2401 little cats equals 9604 legs

10990 Legs altogether

You had to count all the legs:
each girl has Two legs,
each girl has Seven backpacks (backpacks do not have legs hehe,)
in each of the seven backpacks are Seven big cats (4 legs each,)
for every big cat there are Seven little cats (each little cat has 4
legs.)

Are you up to the Challenge? I wasn't!

Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

There are 7 girls on a bus

Each girl has 7 backpacks

In each backpack, there are 7 big cats

For every big cat there are 7 little cats

Question: How many legs are there in the bus?

I'll post the answer tomorrow and tell a little behind the scenes moment. I was ROFL at myself for hours over this.

"Word'of Wisdom"

Christian

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean living."
I'm whispering "I was lost," Now I'm found and forgiven.

When I say..."I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need CHRIST to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need HIS strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain,
I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow

by Maya Angelo

My Step-Dad is home for the Hospital

My Step-dad came home from the hospital yesterday.

He is still on oxygen but at least he is home. As soon as I find out anymore information I'll post it.
(Mom please update)

Thank you all for your prayers and your wonderful comments on my Marriage Monday post!

My Mom left this update for all of us

HI Me here,

I am so sorry I did not even get a chance to call you today.
Yes we are home and Praise to the Lord for His Goodness. I really thought this time he might not be coming home, he was so bad the day he went in. Yet, within one day he was so improved. Not totally better but improved!

What a Blessing!

I too Thank all of you including my Lori for the Prayers. That is what made him better.I need to share one more thing, they gave him medication that could have been fatal due to a CT Scan, what a scare to find out they gave it to him after we were told he could not be put back on it for 48 hours. So as you can see GOD IS SO GOOD And HE needs the Praise.

Please continue to Pray for him, he still has a ways to go. He is home on oxygen, is being treated for pneumonia, he does have a lung disease, yet, I still know God is the healer and we are in His hands. So we are just on hold for now. HOME though. I know that God has blessed me with such wonderful children and I feel their love and I sure hope they know how very much I Love each of them.

okay I guess I updated. (maybe a little long winded sorry) lol
Thank you again to all and to you my dear daughter.

Love
MaMa
12:00 AM

Mom,

Thank you for the update! I do know you love me. I know how busy you are with Dad and the girls but I thank you for taking a few minutes out to update everyone. I couldn't for the life of me remember everything you told me on Monday. Perhaps old age...

I'm praying for you and dad often every day. If you need anything at all please let me know. I'll do whatever you need for me to do.


Love,

Lori

Marriage Monday 01-07-2008

"Three Things My Daughter Must Know About Her Marital Needs."


What is an excellent wife?

How can she be recognized?

What is she like?

What does she do?

How can she put her husbands wants and needs before her own?

My husband has supported me and all my ministries, for the last 21 years. He sacrifices all his time to take care of our children so I can be on the worship team, work in Awana, teach Sunday School, Lead the Jr. Choir program, make meals for people, organize our singspirations and the list goes on. I couldn't do all of this having six children to feed, run around to all there sporting events, help with school work, if it wasn't for my wonderful husband. He never complains about having to run the kids and stay home with the kids. I want to now give back to him.

How can she make her husband want to come home to her at night? My husband always comes home to us but I want him not be able to wait to be with me.

These questions might seem silly to some people but they are questions I have asked myself many times lately.

Many of these questions are answered in Proverbs 31:10-31. My home life has radically changed by me applying these and other Scriptures. God gave me a heart to obey His Word and will for my life, I am becoming the godly wife that He wants me to be.

I am reading and going through the following books:


This truth is so important to God that He has clearly and completely revealed it in His Word, the Bible. Indeed, the Scriptures alone are sufficient to provide the wisdom wives need for living the Christian life. One of the most important Scripture passages concerning God's will for the Christian wife is Proverbs 31. Iin this chapter of Proverbs are the words of King Lemuel "which his mother taught him" Proverbs 31:1 (emphasis added). In verse 10, King Lemuel asks the question:

"An excellent wife, who can find her" For her worth is far above jewels."


"The Excellent Wife" here


"God's will for every Christian wife is that her most important ministry be to her husband" (Genesis 2:18). After a wife's own personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, nothing else should have a greater priority. Her husband should be the primary benefactor of his wife's time and energy, not the recipient of what may be left over at the end of the day. Whether her husband is a faithful Christian man, or an unbeliever, God wants every Christian woman to be a godly wife-an excellent wife.
from the author of the book "The Excellent Wife"

I wanted to know what men were saying they want from their wives. I do understand being a Godly wife is of utmost importance! I wanted to read a book that showed what men were saying they look for in their wife. This next book was not written by a Christian author. This author has taken what she has learned from men and wrote this book. Like I said she is not a Christian so read at your own discretion. I just wanted to get a feel of what husbands were saying they need from a wife.
The proper care and feeding of husbands

I just popped over to view a few blogs and found this at It's Marriage Monday; she has some great news about her daughter Congratulations E-mom!

I want to mention one more sweet gal that I think you all would love The Most Exciting Thing We've Ever Done She is in the process of adopting a very sweet baby girl.

Last but not least daughter's; Here are a few things I've learned about men so that we can have a happy healthy marriage.

A man needs to feel strong and needed as a protector for women-basically, to conquer the beast and rescue the fair maiden.

What every man wants is for his woman to make him feel that he is strong and the head of the household. I am not talking caveman-style, dragging the woman around by her hair, but just as the leader of the family.

A man wants respect, kndness, and love from his woman.

A man wants to be put on a pedestal, not so that he can look down on everyone, but to show him that he is the most important thing to his woman.

A man needs his woman to show him that she needs his strength to help her through life.

The man should be the major breadwinner in the family. Every man needs a battle or war to win to prove to himself that he is strong and capable of conquering any and all dragons that life throws his way. Taking care of his family by working and provding are his battles.

A man needs his wife to show some interest in his interests, especially when it's an activity she may not "get" or like. Just being there is important.

A man needs his wife to greet him after work with love and enthusiasm.

A man needs his wife to care about the day he's had.

A man needs his wife's encouragement in order to be a man.

A man needs enthusiastic approval, appreciation, and respect from his wife for being a competent man, husband, and father.

Genesis 2:18 "It is not good that man be alone,I will make him a helper...Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife and they shall become one flesh"

Instead of waiting for him to earn your respect, behave respectfully and watch him grow into the man God designed him to be.

Ephesians 5:33 “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband”

You are all such a blessing to Me

Thank you all for your prayers, keep praying please. My Step-Dad is better and my spirits are up again today. As soon as he gets out of the hospital, I'll update all of you.

My brother, DJ (my nephew) and I, spent last night at the hospital with my Step-dad and mom. They think my dad has Pneumonia. He is having a lot of trouble breathing still but he is much better then he was. His temp was down and he ate all his dinner when we were there.

Aaron and Bec have been very good to me since they left. I have received many text messages, emails and phone calls from them. I sure needed that to make it through the last few days. I love having the kids home but I cry every time they leave. I am very proud of both of them; they are both doing really well. I’ll just miss my babies...

I have been busy this morning getting the house all cleaned up and back in some kind of order. I'll be working on getting the rest of the Christmas decoration down on Monday. I think things should get back to normal after that. Winter Vacation is almost over for my three youngest children. I let the twins go to their best friends to spend the night last night and my grandson, Josh, spent the night here with Bo. It was sort of the last bit of fun before going back to school.

The holidays were wonderful around our house; I have much to be Thankful for.

Your prayers are needed again!

My Step-dad has been sick since Christmas with the flu. He and my mom came over on New Year's eve so they could see Becca and Aaron before they went back home. He was really sick so they left early. How sweet of them to come but I feel bad that he is now really sick. My mom thought he was getting better but late last night they admitted him into the hospital. He is running a high fever and having a lot of trouble breathing. He hasn't been well since his heart surgery. I am so very worried about him; Please pray for my mom as well, she is really upset.
Aaron and Rebecca both left yesterday to go back home. I miss them so very much!
We had such a good visit and I hate feeling sad but I just can't help myself. I miss my babies already. I'm not sure when I will be able to see them again. Aaron will be on a Navy ship for almost a year after his A school. Bec has a great job and will be starting to do hair soon. It was a very hard day!